https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/cumberland-gap-basic-banjo-beginner
This version is a bare-bones approach to this fun tune! We don’t use any “ornaments” so that you can concentrate on getting that pick hand going. Don’t forget there’s an advanced version on the site already!
I love this version. I’ve gone farther with it then I have Earls. Only question I have, is what’s the best way to get your pinky to cooperate without cause issues with other fingers, when I try to fret the 11th fret I tend to roll my ring finger back and pull the E string off the finger board?
It just comes down to practice.
Alan Munde has a DVD covering finger stretching exercises.
THE BLUEGRASS BANJO WORKOUT DVD
In ten information-rich lessons, master teacher Alan Munde de-mystifies many right and left hand playing techniques. Work with these lessons will add to the player’s dexterity, will increase left hand stretch, solve difficult left hand fingerings, increase speed, and help with the visual organization of the fingerboard.
(93-MU-B2) $29.95
THE BLUEGRASS BANJO WORKOUT DVD
$29.95 plus shipping
Click on the link below and scroll to the bottom of the page
I was just checking to see anyone had any tips. I know of course practice. I have been playing almost 3 years and still have not mastered the pinky.
If you could record video of you trying to play it so we can see your hand position, it’d really help! It definitely can be a booger!
GIVE ME MORE - PLEASE.
Something perfect for we beginners. Playing real songs making practical use of the hours we spend learning the basics rolls, without being overwhelmed with the hammer on, pull off, slides, etc… Next step will be to tackle pieces of the more advanced versions adding each type one at a time, a section at a time.
Thanks Ben … from a happy Gold Pick member
Trying to get my pinky finger muscles to move from one fret to another takes practice. My ring finger wants to move instead of my pinky finger. May be on this exercise for a month at least trying to get my fingers to do right. Lol
I’m having a hard time getting a video, but I went back and looked at the lesson and it is positioned just like yours. I ordered Alan Munde’s DVD so I’ll see if that helps.
What a fun easy a part. I must be getting better cuz my pinky works but I played it first with my pinky on 11, ring on 10th fret but I see Ben uses his pinky on both frets. I’ll try it both ways. Soon to have b part and ending down.
It helps to watch the part 2 video too. Great explanations Ben thanks
It’s IMPORTANT to watch the videos. Most student’s fail to realise the amount of detail there is on screen. They will often struggle for months on end using the wrong fingering. Finally the 
goes on
Also, making sure the strings are ringing out and not dud when moving pinky finger and all the other fingers. I’ve started audio recording myself to see how I sound starting off and later on. Helps in seeing my progress. :). Can’t wait to get good and playing some songs.
I’ve been working on this song for years and know it by heart, but these videos have helped me so much in improving and playing along! THANKS!
I think that is great advice, I always watch all the lessons but have gone back to old lessons several times to see how he does the parts I have problems with. Great detail and he usually knows what parts will be a challenge.
That’s why my advice is always sound & VISION. Pun intended.
At measure 35 when you move to fret 7 which finger are you using at fret 7?
When running your finger down the string from fret 7 do you run it to fret 15 before playing string on fret 16?
Also, at measure 36 which fingers are you using on fret 16 and 17? Thank you.
Hi @chaddlee1978 Chad. The answer to your question can clearly be seen on the video. @BanjoBen moves down the neck and places his middle finger on the 3rd string 9th fret, plays that note then he places his index finger on the 3rd string 7th fret and plays that note. Keeping his index finger on the string he then pauses before sliding up the neck on the 3rd string. The end of the slide is not defined. It’s more of a [ how does it feel - sound - timing - Right ] End the lick 1st string at the 16th followed by 17th using the ring finger. Go back and watch the video. If you are using a PC use your space bar to pause the video. Arrows Right & Left to forward / rewind.
Hope this is helpful